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F1: Ecclestone says another U.S. race could join Austin event

August 16, 2010

Bernie Ecclestone says it is possible to have two Formula One races in the United States. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Formula One commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone has stressed that the 10-year deal he signed with Austin, Texas, Grand Prix promoter Tavo Hellmund does not guarantee the new venue exclusivity in the United States, and that he remains open to the possibility of a second F1 race in the United States.

“Let's make one thing clear--Austin will be the ‘U.S. Grand Prix,' but that doesn't mean that we can't have another race in the United States with another [name],” Ecclestone said. “I would be insane if there were the option to race in New York and I said, ‘no thanks.' But for now, that's nothing more than a pipe dream. The reality is we have a contract with Austin, and that's where the U.S. Grand Prix will be staged.”

Ecclestone clearly feels that greater American participation in F1 would be helpful for its image in a nation where the damaging 2005 Michelin tire farce at Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been followed recently by failed bids to enter the series by two American teams. The United States has not been represented in the series since driver Scott Speed's midseason departure from Scuderia Toro Rosso three years ago.

Ecclestone added: “Regarding an American driver, we've tried that lately but obviously what's missing is the right attitude. You can race successfully in the U.S. without the huge effort you need to succeed in Formula One, but to have someone like Danica Patrick would be a perfect [advertisement] for us.”